Pump Station Design Considerations for Growing Communities

How Planning for the Next Wave Can Improve Efficiency, Effectiveness and Satisfaction

There’s always a next wave. Something perhaps unseen that you know is coming.  Still, “out of sight, out of mind” often wins the day, and sometimes that can make the best plans come up short to deal with the reality of what’s next.

Population growth is good news for a community, but it can create real headaches for sewer systems. Designing a wastewater pump station that works today and tomorrow requires more than simply sizing for current flows. Smart planning up front can save municipalities hundreds of thousands of dollars in costly upgrades, downtime, or emergency changes later.

Whether you’re engineering a new lift station or updating an older one, here are some key design considerations to help future-proof your investment.

Plan for Capacity Increases

The biggest mistake communities make? Designing for today’s average flow, not tomorrow’s peak flow.  It is critical to look at what you will need in the future, based on trends, statistics and anticipation.

• Population projections: Work with local planners to understand housing and commercial growth over 10–20 years.  That’s not too far ahead.  Aim high.  It’s easier to overdeliver than to underperform.
• Infiltration/inflow (I/I): Even well-maintained systems see I/I, clean water that shouldn’t be in the sanitary sewer system—but ends up there, increasing the flow to lift stations and treatment plants.. Factor in rain events and aging upstream lines.
• Peak factors: Don’t just design to average daily flow—consider peak hourly and peak instantaneous flows.

Specify pumps that can handle the future peak, or use variable-speed controls with room to add larger pumps later.  Also, be aware of trends in the pump manufacturing industry.  At Keen Pump, we’re generating more pressure and performance, with larger capacities than other pump manufacturers.  Ask to see “what’s new” so that you don’t rely on past understanding and knowledge. 

Think Retrofit-Ready

Communities change. What looks like a perfect system today may need to be adapted later for new subdivisions or industrial users, tighter environmental discharge limits, more challenging solids load (think: “flushable” wipes…we did!)

Designing for easy retrofit or expansion can save huge costs. Keen Pump, for example, offers custom RetroFit solutions that match competitor systems. Including standard dimensions, adaptable piping, and clearances for future pump changes means upgrades won't require reengineering the whole station.

And if you’re already a Keen Pump customer, it’s good to know that we can swap older or outdated pumps and mechanisms. We custom-design and manufacture pumps to do what we need them to do. 

Above-Ground Valve Vaults: Why They Matter

Older lift stations often have buried valve vaults that are:

• Confined spaces requiring extra safety protocols
• Prone to flooding and corrosion
• Difficult and expensive to maintain

Above-ground valve stations solve these problems by providing:

• Safer, more accessible maintenance—no confined space entry
• Protection from groundwater infiltration
• Easier inspection and replacement of valves and fittings
• Longer lifespan with reduced corrosion risk

While above-ground valve stations may add some cost to initial construction, they typically reduce long-term O&M costs and help avoid emergency repairs.  Also, since safety is a key consideration, planning for above-ground valve stations will help you stay in compliance with future governmental regulations and help increase your excellent job safety history. 

Plan for the Unexpected

Let’s be honest: Plans change.

• Development may be faster or slower than projected.
• Wet-weather inflow may surprise you.
• User behavior changes (wipes, FOG, trash).

Design with flexibility in mind:

• Pump selection: Choose a pump family with options for higher capacity impellers.  Keen Pump
• Controls: Use Variable Frequency Drives to adjust flow as needs grow.
• Piping layouts: Include flanged connections that make pump swaps easier.
• Electrical: Size panels for potential future pumps.

You can’t predict every future change, but you can make adapting cheaper and faster.

Engage with Experts Early

Finally, don’t design in a vacuum. Engage:

• Pump manufacturers for selection support and CAD models.  At Keep Pump, we’re eager to help you plan a system that will outlast your needs.  At the same time, we’ll be planning a relationship that helps you overcome issues as they arise.
• Controls integrators to ensure VFDs and alarms match your needs
• Contractors for realistic construction feedback
• Municipal operators—they know what actually works!  And they’ll insist on the best for their community.  You’ll both be on the same page when you work together from the beginning.

A well-designed pump station isn’t just about moving wastewater from point A to point B. It’s about supporting a community’s growth without blowing up budgets for emergency upgrades down the line.

By planning for capacity increases, prioritizing safe and maintainable valve stations, and building in retrofit flexibility, communities can make sure their infrastructure is ready for whatever the future holds.

If you’d like to learn more about RetroFit pump options, above-ground valve station design, or pump selection help, Keen Pump is always ready to partner with you to find the right solution.